When Outfest kicks-off next week, the organizers will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary, and consequently, touting a film festival that has been transformed in recent years into a major social, cultural and political event that wields quite a bit of muscle - not only in the LGBT community - but in the mainstream across the U.S. as well.
When Outfest first launched years ago, only three films screened at the humble UCLA venue, a far cry from today’s 10-day legit event which is slated to present an impressive array of high-profile screenings (from eclectic shorts, insightful documentaries and feature-length narratives, to fun-filled sing-a-longs under-the-stars!)
Today, Outfest proudly calls the DGA its “home” in Hollywood (CA).
This year, there are a handful of venues sprinkled around the city that promise the filmgoer more bang for their buck, too.
By the way, at the Opening Night Gala there will be a screening of “Vito” (a film that tosses the spotlight on gay activist and film historian Vito Russo).
On closing night, film enthusiasts will no doubt pack the house for a screening of “Struck by Lightning”.
On closing night, film enthusiasts will no doubt pack the house for a screening of “Struck by Lightning”.
In honor of their 30th year, Outfest will screen the feature film – Making Love – which broke ground (and some say) sparked a cultural revolution when it was first released.
The gay-themed flick – starring Harry Hamlin, Kate Jackson, and Michael Ontkean – was one of the first to cast an established masculine actor in a “bisexual” role – and ultimately – transformed the image of “gays” in mainstream America forevermore.
No wonder!
The well-written script realistically portrayed the LGBT community warts and all
For example, when Kate Jackson’s character finds a matchbox inside her husband’s pocket with a phone number scrawled on it, she expects that he is having an illicit affair with another woman. However, when she tracks the individual down, she is shocked to learn that her hubby is actually involved with another man.
'Til then, “gay” life was depicted in an awkward stereotypical way. But, In “Making Love”, the characters were well-fleshed - hence - they were believable.
In addition to a slew of narratives, Outfest has also lined up a smattering of short films and documentaries bound to be well-received by filmgoers.
Stand-out “must-see” movies include "Joshua Tree" (an intimate peek into the bisexual world of James Dean), entertaining "I Do" (about a gay man marrying a woman so she can land her green card), "Jobriath" (a fascinating glimpse into the persona of a fabricated 70’s superstar), "Mississippi I Am" (Lance Bass’s doc on two lesbians’ legal fight to attend a High School Prom in each other's loving arms), and Gayby (a light-hearted look at a gay man helping a female pal get pregnant).
There will be special presentations, too.
For instance, John Waters will receive an Outfest Achievement Award this year. In tandem with the honor, the fest will screen a sing-a-long version of the hit musical "Hairspray" (screened under the stars) and an earlier flick (Desperate Living).
There will be a number of panel discussions with celebrity guests throughout the festival run
Outfest will focus on the Television medium, too.
One episode of ABC’s hit comedy show “Happy Endings” will splash across the screen, for instance. At press time, handlers at the fest noted that members of the cast and crew are expected to appear for a Q & A (schedules permitting).
On Saturday July 21st (at REDCAT theatre) a posse of queer filmmakers, comedians, and bloggers (Drew Droege, John Roberts, and Funky Dineva) are booked to appear on stage and chat up festival guests as well.
At another panel, a handful of TV’s most accomplished gay and lesbian comedy writer’s will participate in a panel discussion on the subject of “gays” and how their “image” has been transformed on the old boob tube over the past decade or so. Ari Karpel, a journalist with the New York Times (and the Advocate) will moderate what is expected to be a sell-out house.
The gay-themed flick – starring Harry Hamlin, Kate Jackson, and Michael Ontkean – was one of the first to cast an established masculine actor in a “bisexual” role – and ultimately – transformed the image of “gays” in mainstream America forevermore.
No wonder!
The well-written script realistically portrayed the LGBT community warts and all
For example, when Kate Jackson’s character finds a matchbox inside her husband’s pocket with a phone number scrawled on it, she expects that he is having an illicit affair with another woman. However, when she tracks the individual down, she is shocked to learn that her hubby is actually involved with another man.
'Til then, “gay” life was depicted in an awkward stereotypical way. But, In “Making Love”, the characters were well-fleshed - hence - they were believable.
In addition to a slew of narratives, Outfest has also lined up a smattering of short films and documentaries bound to be well-received by filmgoers.
Stand-out “must-see” movies include "Joshua Tree" (an intimate peek into the bisexual world of James Dean), entertaining "I Do" (about a gay man marrying a woman so she can land her green card), "Jobriath" (a fascinating glimpse into the persona of a fabricated 70’s superstar), "Mississippi I Am" (Lance Bass’s doc on two lesbians’ legal fight to attend a High School Prom in each other's loving arms), and Gayby (a light-hearted look at a gay man helping a female pal get pregnant).
There will be special presentations, too.
For instance, John Waters will receive an Outfest Achievement Award this year. In tandem with the honor, the fest will screen a sing-a-long version of the hit musical "Hairspray" (screened under the stars) and an earlier flick (Desperate Living).
There will be a number of panel discussions with celebrity guests throughout the festival run
Outfest will focus on the Television medium, too.
One episode of ABC’s hit comedy show “Happy Endings” will splash across the screen, for instance. At press time, handlers at the fest noted that members of the cast and crew are expected to appear for a Q & A (schedules permitting).
On Saturday July 21st (at REDCAT theatre) a posse of queer filmmakers, comedians, and bloggers (Drew Droege, John Roberts, and Funky Dineva) are booked to appear on stage and chat up festival guests as well.
At another panel, a handful of TV’s most accomplished gay and lesbian comedy writer’s will participate in a panel discussion on the subject of “gays” and how their “image” has been transformed on the old boob tube over the past decade or so. Ari Karpel, a journalist with the New York Times (and the Advocate) will moderate what is expected to be a sell-out house.
See ‘ya there!
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